The LDB-1 Analog Drum Machine

The LDB-1 “Little Drummer Boy” is a modern recreation of the classic analog drum machines of the 80's, like the Roland TR-606 and TR-808.
Our goal was to recreate the warm sounds of the classics, using all analog circuitry - not samples.
The brain of the LDB-1 is a powerful digital microcontroller that triggers the analog drum sounds and provides the sequencer, programmability and connectivity features.

Features

Eight voice polyphony
All drums can be played simultaneously, includingopen and closed hi-hat for a super punchy cymbal

Play Modes

Play Individual Drums

Play Patterns, including chaining up to 8 patterns

Play Songs with Pattern Fills

Programmability

32 User Patterns - plus 32 Built-in Patterns

16 Songs of 24 patterns each

Configuration Options (MIDI channel, trigger modes, etc)

All data is retained without power

Connectivity

Powered by built-in 9V battery, or standard pedal power supply

MIDI Input for playing individual drums, and MIDI clock and start/stop messages

DIN Sync Input for both clock and gate (start/stop)

Analog Clock Input

Analog Gate (start/stop) Input

Analog Trigger Output on user-selected steps and/or instruments

Demo Video

Drum Machine versus Eurorack Module

What' the difference? The LDB-1 Drum Machine is a complete, stand-alone drum machine that includes the analog drum sounds as well as a sequencer, pattern memory, and lots of connectivity options.
The LDB-1e Eurorack Module contains just the drum sounds waiting to be triggered by any clock, LFO, or sequencer in your rack.

Documentation

Anatomy of a Drum Machine
- If you are interested the design process, the internal circuitry, and some tips on moding the LDB-1,
then you will want to read this blog article by its inventor.

There is a Firmware Upgrade that adds support for more
MIDI hardware and software.

The LDB-1 Kit

This is an advanced level kit because of its size. It has a lot of parts and they are very close together.
To answer the most frequently asked question: this would not make a good first kit.
If you are considering building the LDB-1 kit, first please take a look at the kit assembly instructions.
The kit does not come in an enclosure, but it does include a control panel overlay made from metalic cardstock. The overlay gives it a clean look that is much nicer than a bare circuit board.

The top of circuit board with the buttons, LEDs, tempo knob, and control panel overlay:

The underside of the circuit board where all of the components are mounted:

Serious DIYers might want to build the LDB-1 kit into a custom enclosure.
Take a look at Mickey Delp's Giant Little Drummer Boy,
and read his blog article about it.